A 28-year-old woman allegedly posed as a 16-year-old student at a New York City high school, and was only caught after a skeptical principal discovered her true identity on Facebook, according to police reports.
Kacy Claassen was arrested on April 27 at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx after NYPD officers responded to a call about possible identity theft, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox 5. Claassen enrolled as a student at the school on April 13, claiming to be a teenager named Shamara Rashad, the complaint stated.
School officials grew suspicious after discovering a Facebook profile that appeared to belong to the woman, showing her real name and age, according to the complaint. When confronted, Claassen reportedly told staff that she was Rashad and had moved to New York from Ohio with her sister.
Despite her denial, the school's principal, Marques Rich, continued to question Claassen by showing her a screenshot of her social media profile. This led her to admit that she faked her identity because a friend pressured her to do so, in order to receive more public assistance benefits, the complaint detailed.
On the day of her arrest, the campus was placed on a temporary lockdown, according to Bronx River News, the student paper for Bronx River High School, which shares the same campus as Westchester Square Academy. Students at the school were also suspicious of Claassen, who reportedly made them 'uncomfortable' after telling minors about 'hiding bodies,' the outlet reported.
Claassen was pictured being escorted out of the school by officers with her hands behind her back, wearing a plaid skirt and a black jacket. 'School is supposed to be the safest place besides home,' an unnamed woman told Bronx River News. She added: 'If we can't guarantee safety then what can we guarantee?'
Claassen has been charged with criminal impersonation and trespassing, according to court records reviewed by the Daily Mail. She appeared in court on April 28 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is due back on June 15.
Following Claassen's arrest, New York City public schools released a statement: 'Enrollment fraud is a serious crime that fundamentally undermines New York City Public School values. The NYPD is actively investigating these allegations and will pursue all appropriate legal action against those responsible. We are providing all necessary and suitable support to the school community.'
The Daily Mail contacted Claassen via phone, social media, and email, but received no response. She is represented by public defender Joseph Hayes Rochman of The Bronx Defenders. A member of the firm said: 'Our client has not given us permission to speak with the press, so per our protocols, we cannot comment on or off-the-record at this time.' The Daily Mail also reached out to Principal Rich for comment.
